2008 November

RESEARCH: Aromatherapy Oils Kill Superbugs

BBC – December 2004 University of Manchester researchers found three essential oils that destroyed MRSA and E.coli bacteria in two minutes. Researcher Dr. Peter Warn said,

When I tested the oils in the lab, absolutely nothing grew. Rather than stimulating bacteria and fungi the oils killed them off.

Hospital-acquired infections like MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) kill about 5,000 a year in the UK. The Manchester study was triggered when complimentary medicine specialists at Christie Cancer Hospital asked university researchers to test the essential oils patchouli, tea tree, geranium, lavender, and grapefruit seed extract. The team tested 40 oils all together against 10 of the most infectious agents found in hospitals including MRSA. Two oils were found to kill MRSA and E.coli almost instantly while a third acted over a longer period of time.

Dr Warn suggested the essential oils would create pleasant, effective inhalation therapies where current treatment is only effective in about 50% of the cases.” They suggest blending oils into soaps and shampoos which could be used in hospitals to stop the spread of MRSA.

* Not evaluated by FDA. Product not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

MODALITY MINUTE: What exactly is Craniosacral Therapy? (Part 1 of 3)

Craniosacral therapy, or CST, uses very light touch to release restrictions in the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. CST enhances central nervous system performance and allows the body to self-correct. It focuses on the cerebrospinal fluid that is continuously circulating throughout the body and providing a cushion for the brain and spinal cord. As craniosacral fluid is produced in the ventricles of the brain it creates a pulse all its own – the craniosacral rhythm. Just as breath and blood circulation would cause a problem if hindered, so would cerebrospinal fluid and it shows up in pain, muscle tension, or other symptoms.

Note: I’m continuing CST studies in December with a focus on TMJ work and treating muscles of the face, mouth, and jaw by working inside the mouth. I’ve heard this is quite powerful work and highly effective. Have a testimony about CST? I’d love to post it in the next newsletter.

GENTLE REMINDERS: Fab Fiber Facts (Part 1 of 2)

There are two types of fiber: soluable and insoluble.

soluble fiber dissolves in water and forms a gel that when combined with stomach acid allows it to bind to fats. That is why you hear of studies that link soluable fiber to lower cholesterol. (It’s the ‘bulk’ adder…you know what I mean!) Some good sources are whole grains, oats, apples, beets, and bran.

Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water but rather floats or sinks. This type of fiber acts as the ‘pipe cleaner’ and has great benefits for your digestive tract. Good sources are whole grains, veggies, apples, fruit with edible seeds, and bran.

When you think fiber, think whole grains, legumes, fruit, and vegetables. 30-50 grams is recommended per day. (That’s equal to 5-11 apples, but it is suggested that you rotate your foods…or you’ll start to look like an apple!!)

THE MAILBAG: “What can a five minute chair massage accomplish?” J.P.

Surprisingly enough, even the shortest chair massage renders some of the benefits that are gained with longer massage sessions. Even in a brief five minutes circulation of both blood and lymph are increased, reduced sympathetic dominance is initiated, pain and fatigue are reduced, some soft tissue normalization begins, and if aromatherapy and music are used, relaxation can occur much more quickly. So the next time you have the chance at a five minute chair massage, especially if it is free, take it! Otherwise you won’t know what you are missing!

Have a question or comment about massage? Send it along. I’ll post it in the next newsletter.